Forgotten Arsenal 24yo wanted by Ajax but wages might be an issue | OneFootball

Ajax has expressed interest in Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares, according to Sky Sports.

The Dutch club views the 24-year-old Portuguese player as a valuable addition to their left flank. With Tavares’ contract set to expire in June 2025, Ajax sees an opportunity to sign him for a relatively low price, although Arsenal is unlikely to agree to a loan deal.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Nuno Tavares of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Gtech Community Stadium on January 20, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Tavares’ future at Arsenal is uncertain following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season, where he struggled to make a significant impact. He made 12 appearances for the club, totalling 696 minutes of playtime, without directly contributing to any goals, while also falling out with the management.

The feasibility of Tavares’ move to Ajax remains unclear. His salary at Arsenal is said to be around £30,000-per-week, raising questions about whether Ajax can or is willing to match it. Additionally, a transfer fee will be required to secure his services. Tavares’ Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €7.1 million.

Ajax has faced challenges at the left-back position despite signing several players last summer. High-priced acquisitions Borna Sosa and Gastón Ávila failed to meet expectations, while Anass Salah-Eddine and Ar’Jany Martha also struggled to impress.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Nuno Tavares of Notts Forest looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest confirmed at the end of May that they would not be exercising their buy option in Tavares’ contract, leading to his return to Arsenal. The loan deal included a £1 million loan fee and a £12 million option to buy, but Tavares made only 12 appearances for Forest throughout the season.

His time at the club was marked by a strained relationship with former manager Steve Cooper, and despite a brief resurgence under interim manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Tavares ultimately fell out of favour and did not return to the starting lineup after sustaining an injury.